Red Robin Taps Industry Vet to Succeed Retiring CEO
Industry vet G.J. Hart will become Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. ’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 6. A member of the Red Robin Board since August 2019, Hart will continue to serve as a member of the Board in addition to his roles as CEO and President.
Hart will succeed current President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Murphy, who recently informed the Red Robin Board of Directors that he intends to retire at the end of 2022 when his employment agreement expires. Murphy will remain as a special advisor to the Company until March 31, 2023, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
A highly regarded executive with nearly 35 years in the restaurant industry, including both public and private company experience, Hart is well known for his organizational leadership skills, commitment to profitable growth, and ability to drive long-term shareholder value.
Hart most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Torchy’s Tacos from 2018 until 2021, a privately-held fast-casual concept with more than 100 locations. Prior to that, he was the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of California Pizza Kitchen from 2011 to 2018. From 2000 to 2004, he served as President of Texas Roadhouse Holdings, and later from 2004 to 2011 he held additional responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Texas Roadhouse Board.
Dave Pace, Red Robin Board Chair, commented, “G.J. brings an exceptional track record of success to this role ... During the past 3 years, G.J. has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and effective board member in supporting Paul and the Red Robin team as they navigated an exceptionally tumultuous period in our industry’s history. As we began our search for Paul’s successor following his announced retirement at the end of this year, G.J. expressed interest in the role and we quickly determined that he possesses all of the critical skills that we are looking for in Red Robin’s next leader. We are highly confident that he has the vision, passion, and expertise to successfully lead Red Robin into the future.”
There are more than 520 Red Robin restaurants across the United States and Canada.